MUNICH, OCTOBER 2019
Large Auction "Works of Art"
Hermann Historica, International Auctions, is opening its autumn season at its new location, with an extended programme
Collectors on the lookout for rare, outstanding and unique objects from antiquity to Art Déco are advised to watch this space for news of the wide range of objects offered by Hermann Historica.
For collectors of rare, outstanding and unique objects from antiquity to Art Déco, all roads lead not to Rome, but to Hermann Historica, International Auctions. Following the move to new, spacious premises in Grasbrunn, the staff in the departments for works of art and antiquities have succeeded in gathering a plethora of exquisite pieces from all over the world for the large Autumn Auction. The 1,050 lots of the live auction will be sold on 13 and 14 November, while the 353 lots of the online auction are to come underthe hammer on 21 November 2019.
Moreover, the special catalogue entitled "Cabinet des curiosités", comprising 417 lots from a private wunderkammer, which were amassed in tireless dedication over half a century, will be auctioned on 14, 15 and 19 November. With countless precious objects from the fields of antique arms and armour, works of art, culture and religion, and keepsakes from ruling houses and dynasties, the collection is a veritable treasure trove.
As usual, our in-house experts will be available to advise customers on all aspects of purchasing objects or consigning lots for auction. Place your bids for the live auction in the saleroom, on the telephone, in writing or online via your computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection. Bids for the online auction may be submitted via the internet or in writing. Speaking of the internet: all objects will also be available on the well-known platforms Invaluable, Lot-tissimo, The Salesroom and LiveAuctioneers. To save the fees charged by these platforms, simply register on Hermann Historica's own online platform.
One particular triumph is the 'sella castrensis', designed for a Roman commander in the field and dating from the 2nd to the 6th century. The unsuspecting observer would probably be tempted to describe it as "an old camping chair". In a sense that is exactly what it is; after all, the principle of the folding chair has hardly changed since it was invented by the Romans more than 2000 years ago. Naturally, the design is less ostentatious nowadays: our specimen was originally decorated with magnificent gold appliqués, only some of which are still in place. The chair was found at the legionary Roman fortress of Carnuntum near Bad-Deutsch Altenburg in Lower Austria and has been part of a family estate since the first half of the 20th century.
While the identity of whoever observed the battlefield from the sella castrensis is lost in the mists of time, there can be no doubt that the owner of the unassuming, early Byzantine gold ring from the 6th century was called ΠPOKOΠIOY (= the ring of Prokópios), seeing as his name is engraved on the bezel. However, nobody has the slightest inkling which Prokópios it refers to. In other words, the ring may have belonged to the historian and early Byzantine official Prokópios of Caesarea, or perhaps to the Constantinople city prefect of the same name, documented for 561/562. In any case, he was certainly not poor: the material and design indicate that the wearer was extremely wealthy. Weighing in at 17.28 grams, this intricate, enigmatic ring has an asking price of 5,500 euros.
Furthermore, Hermann Historica also presents an array of exquisite objects from later epochs. From the early modern period, a superb, round enamel plaque, which can probably be attributed to the artisan Pierre Raymond (1513-1584) of Limoges, merits special attention, along with a large number of other Limoges pieces. The whole group is illustrated in the forthcoming catalogue. Beautifully crafted, the plaque is estimated at 3,200 euros.
Several rare and elaborate, 17th century cabinets, representing the pinnacle of Flemish cabinetmaking craftsmanship, are certain to meet with collectors' approval. The undisputed pièce de résistance of this fabulously elegant furniture is a large, museum-quality ebony cabinet from Antwerp, crafted with captivating finesse and artistic skill. Opening at 25,000 euros, this courtly cabinet, in immaculate condition and with its remarkably well-preserved interior of perishable, embroidered silk, would take pride of place in any collection.
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The catalogue showcases numerous sculptures in a variety of materials, dating from very different periods and from all regions of the world. Worthy of special mention is the fine representation of Christ at the whipping post, associated with the Bolognese workshop of Alessandro Algardi, known as L'Algarde (1598-1654), which is moderately listed at 15,000 euros. An imposingly powerful and dynamic depiction of the striding Titan, Cronus, is expected to fetch 20,000 euros. The significant, originally fire-gilt, classical sculpture of Cronus, produced in late 18th century Paris, is executed with delicacy and in great detail, parts of it precisely chiselled. The sculpture stands an impressive 68 cm tall, including the beautiful pedestal.
A particularly striking artefact from an old French collection has found its way back to the country of its manufacture. The splendid handle vase by KPM of Berlin, with views of the new Kronprinzenpalais in Berlin and Babelsberg Palace near Potsdam, was made in 1860. Based on the 1606 model with a gripping/griffin's head handle, the exceptionally graceful piece is wrought with expert craftsmanship, including the colour coating, enamel décor and painting. Bids are now invited from 30,000 euros for this 69-centimetre masterpiece in porcelain.
The procession of lots includes other highlights from the 19th and early 20th century, such as a magnificent plate from Ratzersdorfer's workshop in 19th century Vienna, lavishly embellished with rock crystal and enamel. With a reserve of 30,000 euros, buyers will marvel at the gorgeous opulence of the plate, adorned with rock crystal and silver, partially gilt and enamelled.
Another piece of note this season is an extraordinarily rare Art Déco vase, the "Phentièvre" model made by René Lalique during the late 1920s in France. Its uniqueness, graceful lines and breathtaking composition are reflected in its minimum bid of 8,500 euros.
More detailed descriptions and numerous high-quality photographs of the objects will be published on the Hermann Historica website. www.hermann-historica.com
Weitere Highlights aus dieser Auktion:
Alle genannten Preise sind Nettopreise und verstehen sich zuzüglich 25 Prozent Aufgeld (inkl. MwSt.)
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